Summer creates a break from routine. It's not unusual for kids to sleep in and stay up late compared to the school year. Unless you have to wake your kids up for childcare before you go to work, it might not seem important to keep a regular bedtime. However, for young children and any child experiencing rapid growth, irregular sleep can adversely affect mood and [...]
If your little one loves bath time, he or she will love splashing around in the giant tub we call a kiddie pool. With these simple tips, your baby can play safe and cool off in a plastic or inflatable kiddie pool well into toddlerhood. 1. Protect babies from the sun with age-appropriate, high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and a swim shirt. You could also place the [...]
Technology, hot weather, and busy families all make it difficult for kids to simply play outside during summer break in Phoenix. Whether you have a backyard pool or visit a community pool, swimming time is limited by your ability to supervise the pool area. You want to avoid heat-related illnesses, and you might have summer camp and vacation plans. Add that to the lure of [...]
Keeping your kids active during the summer in Phoenix can be challenging. You want them to play outside, but you don't want them to suffer the effects of extreme heat. Thankfully, the Phoenix metro area has no shortage of indoor options for those of us who don't have a pool, or who simply want to escape into some air conditioning. Here are just some ideas: [...]
Summer learning loss results in students forgetting weeks to months of reading and math curricula. Teachers spend weeks making up for the summer slide by reviewing material, instead of progressing to build on grade level knowledge. Some school districts throughout the country have done away with summer break altogether in order to improve academic retention. However, old habits die hard. Summer vacation arose from the [...]
As summer begins, you might receive mixed messages about introducing very young children to the pool. Our job is to educate you and your children on the medical community's findings. We support you keeping your child safe and healthy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against formal swimming lessons until after a child turns four years old. This is because children younger than four years of age have [...]
Diagnosing and treating children with ADHD and anxiety disorders can lead to better academic performance, improved behavior and higher quality of life. So, when a toy hits the market claiming to be a treatment method, and kids love it, what should parents do? School’s out for the summer, and the fidget spinners that irked so many teachers these last few months will soon be whirring [...]
Splash pads are popping up all over the country, and there's a particular appeal in Arizona. These water playgrounds are usually free to the public, located in parks or outdoor shopping malls. Kids exercise and play with other children -- a rare and welcome sight when oppressive heat tends to keep us indoors. Are Splash Pads Safe? As with any other activity you share with your kids, [...]
By now, you've seen it on the news: Don't ever leave your kids (or pets) in a hot car. Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke, a deadly condition that occurs when the body becomes too hot to cool itself off again. In 80 degree weather, a car can heat up to deadly temperatures in just 10 minutes. 80 degree weather is positively chilly compared to [...]
Okay parents, grandparents and guardians, prepare yourself for some truth. We know you're already worried about a million risks to your child, so we'll make this quick: In the U.S., drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1-4. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone. Of all preschoolers who drown, 70% are in the care [...]
